21 Unusual Facts About Yokohama That Will Surprise You

Facts About Yokohama

Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan, is a fascinating place that blends modernity with tradition.

Whether you’re interested in skyscrapers, historic sites, or quirky museums, Yokohama has something for everyone.

This article will uncover 21 unusual facts about Yokohama, showing you a side of the city you likely haven’t seen before.

Yokohama is a short day trip from Tokyo. If you plan to visit, here are some recommendations.

  1. Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized
  2. Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
  3. Yokohama Private Customizable Half Day Tour

Looking for a place to stay? Here are some good options.

  1. Yokohama Royal Park Hotel 
  2. Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel

Here are some fun facts about Yokohama.

1) Yokohama Marine Tower offers stunning views

You can catch some of the best views of Yokohama from the observation deck of the Marine Tower.

Yokohama Marine Tower
Yokohama Marine Tower

It stands 106 metres tall and gives you a panoramic look at the city and harbour.

On a clear day, you might even see Tokyo Bay.

At night, the city lights create a beautiful display. The view is breathtaking and worth the trip up.

2) Yokohama Chinatown is the largest in Japan

Yokohama Chinatown is the biggest Chinatown in Japan. It’s located just south of Tokyo.

This bustling neighbourhood has been around for about 150 years.

Yokohama china town
Snack shop in Yokohama China Town

There are around 300 shops and restaurants offering a variety of Chinese cuisine.

It’s a lively spot, popular with visitors from all over the country.

3) Cup Noodles Museum – make your own noodles

At the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, you can create your own cup of instant noodles.

This is not just any museum; it’s a hands-on experience.

Cup Noodles museum
Cup Noodles museum

You can design your cup, choose your soup flavour, and add your favourite toppings.

Your noodles will be truly unique, with thousands of flavour combinations to choose from.

4) The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – historic shopping

You should definitely check out the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

This landmark, built during the Meiji era, has a strong historical background.

It’s now a hub for shops, restaurants, and events.

The first floor mainly has shops open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Meanwhile, the second floor hosts restaurants, cafes, and bars open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Please note that individual store hours may vary.

5) Sankeien Garden – traditional Japanese garden

Sankeien Garden is a gem in Yokohama.

It’s a traditional Japanese garden that spans over 175,000 square metres and is located in the southern part of the city, not far from Tokyo Bay.

Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden in Autumn

The garden was designed by Tomitaro Hara, known as Hara Sankei.

It opened to the public in 1906.

This scenic area combines Japanese historic buildings with natural surroundings.

It showcases architecture from various regions of Japan.

6) Cosmo World – incredible Ferris wheel worth a ride

Cosmo World in Yokohama is home to the amazing Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.

It’s a huge attraction, and you can’t miss it.

Built in 1989, this Ferris wheel was once the tallest in the world.

Although it’s not the tallest now, at 112.5 metres, it remains impressive.

The Ferris wheel is more than just a ride.

Cosmo World
Cosmo World lit up at night.

It’s also the world’s largest clock.

You can see the time displayed on its frame as you enjoy gorgeous city views.

7) Ramen Museum – taste different ramen

You’ll love the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum if you love noodles.

It’s not your typical museum. Instead, it’s more like a food-themed amusement park.

Inside, you’ll find ramen shops from all over Japan.

This means you can taste many styles of ramen in one place.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

The museum even has a recreated 1950s Tokyo street to give you a feeling of stepping back in time.

It’s a fun spot to explore and indulge.

8) Nogeyama Zoo – free entry

Nogeyama Zoo, located in Yokohama, Japan, offers free entry to all visitors.

It’s a fantastic spot to visit, especially if you’re on a budget.

You can find over 1,500 animals from 100 species.

There are adorable red pandas, a variety of birds, and even a petting zoo.

It’s a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nogeyama Zoo
Nogeyama Zoo

The zoo is conveniently located near Sakuragicho Station, just a 10-15-minute walk away.

From the zoo, you’ll also enjoy stunning city views.

Despite being small, Nogeyama Zoo has much to offer, blending nature, education, and fun.

9) Hakkeijima Sea Paradise – aquarium and theme park

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amazing spot in Yokohama.

It’s located on a small island surrounded by the beautiful Tokyo Bay.

You can enjoy stunning ocean views while exploring all the attractions.

One of the coolest places here is the Aqua Museum.

It showcases an incredible variety of marine life, from colourful fish to playful dolphins.

The amusement park offers exciting rides, too.

It’s a mix of thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions.

10) Sky Garden – views from Landmark Tower

If you’re ever in Yokohama, you’ve got to visit the Sky Garden at Landmark Tower.

It’s on the 69th floor, and getting there is part of the thrill.

You’ll take Japan’s fastest elevator, which zips you up in 40 seconds.

Landmark Tower
Yokohama Landmark Tower

The Sky Garden offers a 360-degree view of Yokohama.

It’s amazing to see how vast the city is up there.

On a clear day, you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance.

The night view, with all the city lights, is breathtaking.

11) Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery – for car enthusiasts

The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery in Yokohama is a must-visit if you love cars.

You can see and experience Nissan’s latest technologies and vehicles at the gallery.

There’s something for everyone, from sleek sports cars like the GT-R to innovative electric models like the Nissan LEAF.

You can even test-drive some of Nissan’s latest models.

12) The historic Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park is a must-see spot in Yokohama.

Located along the waterfront, it offers breathtaking views of Yokohama Bay Bridge and the skyline.

It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll with friends or family.

The park was built in 1930 using debris from the Great Kantō earthquake.

Marshall Martin, a Scotsman who advised the city’s mayor, led the initiative.

This gives the park a touch of history.

13) Yokohama Bay Bridge – drive or see

The Yokohama Bay Bridge is a sight you’ll want to check out.

Yokohama Bay Bridge
The Yokohama Bay Bridge

It’s an 860-metre-long cable-stayed bridge linking two important areas in Yokohama.

It’s quite a spectacle whether driving across or viewing it from afar.

14) Zou-no-Hana Terrace – for art lovers

Zou-no-Hana Terrace opened in 2009 to celebrate Yokohama Port’s 150th anniversary.

It’s located in Yokohama, bridging the city’s past and future.

The terrace is perfect for art lovers.

It features an art space and café.

You can enjoy various events, like live DJs and art exhibits.

The space brings together cultures and new artistic expressions.

15) The Yokohama Doll Museum – unique dolls

You won’t believe the variety of dolls at the Yokohama Doll Museum.

The displays feature over 1,300 rare dolls from 140 countries.

On the third floor, you can see how dolls are made and even touch the materials used.

16) Osanbashi Pier – fantastic photo ops

Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama is a stunning spot for photographers.

The pier offers beautiful views of the harbour and city skyline.

The pier is lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere for night photography.

Osanbashi
Osanbashi pier

You can capture international cruise ships docking at the terminal.

The pier’s unique architecture also provides interesting subjects for your shots.

17) Yokohama Museum of Art – modern art displays

When you visit the Yokohama Museum of Art, you’ll find a stunning collection of modern art.

There are famous works by artists like Dalí, Picasso, and Magritte.

18) Kirin Beer Village – beer tasting and history

Kirin Beer Village in Yokohama is a must-visit for beer fans.

Visitors can tour the brewery and learn about the beer-making process.

Seeing how one of Japan’s favourite beers is made is fascinating.

The tour includes visiting the factory to see the brewing in action.

You’ll also learn about the ingredients and techniques used to create Kirin Beer.

It’s a great way to look at this iconic drink.

19) Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery – historical site

The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery is in a quiet part of the city near Motomachi.

It was established in 1854 and became a final resting place for many foreigners.

Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery
Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery

This site spans 4.5 acres and is divided into 22 sections.

While walking through, you’ll see gravestones dating back to the 19th century.

They tell stories of people who came from various parts of the world.

The cemetery is open to visitors from March to December on weekends and national holidays.